Sheesh, were the people of this world so free to name any random piece of news a top secret information?
I mean, who didn't know I was a mere mob character by virtue of my exceptionally ordinary appearance. Any student would be able to clear that, so why in the world are these people making me some male god-like character from manga for god's sake?
And the crowd, they were so adamant about 'my theory being correct' that any of my attempts to subvert that theory met deaf ears. Old age civilization was so right; people only look at the thing they want to believe in more often than not. I think it was said by a general of the Roman Empire maybe?
......Whatever. It had been just a galore of rumours since a while ago. Haa, I didn't expect to get my mouth bitter with this, but atleast I managed to try out all the desserts. Guess, time for me slip away.
"Excuse me, Makite-san. It's about time for me to go back. Thank you very much for the etiquette instruction."
Just like he had first approached me, Makite-san bloomed a kind smile and turned around---when his smile froze, as if encased in millenia old ice.
At the same time, a familiar 'Kukuku,' smile reached my ear. Just like how the tide receded, the buzz all across the hall gradually died down.
"Fufu, if you ask me, I would say the proper manner is to at least greet the host of the party once before leaving, dear Pork-san. This is basic etiquette, you know? Speaking of, your attire is quite dashing. ...Either way, I'm delighted to see you again after so long~."
Tsk, were they practising to be a ninja or what? I didn't even notice them.
"Oh heavens, I'm but a mere commoner, son of a piggery owner, and I have no worth more than being a porter. How could I come to greet the great---"
I spoke in a made up tone and quietly moved my legs toward the exit, not stopping to look behind. However Fey moved in front of me and stood there.
"Alright, enough with jokes, Allen. I'm really glad that you atleast come here, but you know, you could have at least come to greet us, even for a moment. It has been like, two months, and yet you just had your fill and quietly tried to slip away.
There had been so many things I wanted to do together this summer vacation, but you seemed to have vanished somewhere, riding the wind. I might not show it usually but even I am hurt with that cold shoulder."
For once, Fey showed a forlorn expression, sighing amidst her words.
"Hey, hey, since when have you been so delicate to cry at no greeting?! ......I also was about to come for greeting, alright, before returning just for the record. Now that we have, see ya later."
"Kyahaha! I see you're still thickheaded, maybe you should learn how to read a girl's girl? I'm not that stout-hearted as you're imagining me to be. I definitely think you're in urgent need of it.
Anyway, what did they talk about manner when you meet someone on an occasion? Aren't you going to say any word about my dress or accessory? Come, feel free to praise me."
Fey said and twirled on her spot, as if mimicking a model.
Was that so...? Why didn't Makite-san mention it?
But putting aside that, she was wearing a knee-length sequin style black dress with exposed shoulders. It seemed to be a work of a talented designer, though for someone like me who had been into the water of commoner for whether here or Earth, Fey's dress was just 'too classy' in my vocabulary.
It reminds me of those foreign fashion shows I had occasionally seen on TV on earth. In ears, she was wearing something like earring, though the dangling design was almost as big as an atm card. Did her ear not hurt from the pain?
I was at loss on how to make a follow-up here, but not saying anything wouldn't get me out of this deadlock either, at least I felt so and decided to speak what I could come up with.
"Your dress is so glamorous I almost felt dazzled by just taking a look, Fey. Just like you. Your earring also looks prettier, that rectangle design seems nice."
I had said this when someone's laughing sound echoed.Explore new novels on novelbin(.)com
......Well, I knew I was no smooth talker, but that was honestly the best I could muster out.
"Thank you, Allen! Your jacket also looks good on you!"
I truly expected her to fume at my lacklustre words. But she instead let out a sheepish smile, as if she was embarrassed, and then broke into a joyful grin.
Girls... are truly a mysterious creature.
It seemed whoever was mocking in snide was now tongue-tied, no more laughter from them.
Makite-san quietly looked back, then back at us while pointing himself, as if saying 'are you perhaps calling me?'.
Jeu chuckled and walked up to Makite-san, holding out her hand toward him.
All noise in the hall ceased that instant.
"Makite-san is it? I have something to discuss so please visit our Leverance Estate after the party. Marquis Leverance would be there as well and we will get through it over dinner."
"......Hmm, but it would be a hassle to share all the information again, Jeu. I have an idea. What do you say about our Lil' Dui and my grandma joining you over dinner as well? Of course, we will have Allen too."
Fey suggested smilingly.
"It's a pity but I have something else to do, so I will take my leave here. Oh, and yes, Lil' Dui! I am recently all over the magic car~. So I was thinking of putting up a new club over it, wanna do it together?
I will fill you in on the details at the dorm! And you two, please don't go overboard and trouble Lil Dui and Makite-san, alright? See ya tomorrow then!"
I swiftly announced and stepped toward the exit.
A dinner with their parents, who are marquis no less? Never ever! I am sure while it was dinner, the only things filling my stomach would be holes from their astute probing.
Besides, I had my bow practice to do at the academy either way, which was more important since I haven't done it for quite a while.
I was almost about to leave when Lil' Dui called out to me, his face red.
"L-Lil' Allen! I-I too like magic cars!!"
Oh, great. So he too likes them!
I presume he was saying this from the bottom of his heart as well. The words might lie for once, but that intense look gleaming in his eyes was the proof.
Then again, anyone from faraway hinterland would be interested in it. We had nothing but horse carriages, and magic cars were a symbol of city prominence.
How could one not admire the marvel it was, right? He was probably an amateur, not that I was any different, so it all boils down to passion, which he seemed to be brimming with.
"I knew you would! So get ready to be the club's president, alright! Bye, catch you later!"
I quickly left behind my word and made my exit this time for sure.
Phew~, I'm glad Makite-san's honour was saved and the situation didn't go south. I also get to become friends with Lil' Dui so that's a plus. Maybe I should talk about our hometown next time, this would make a great topic.
......Still, this was the end of summer vacation huh?
I wished it could last longer, but at least, it was definitely a blast for me!
◆◆◆
In this way, the curtain drew over the Allen Rovenne's first-half of first term academic life.
Nary a place had left in the kingdom who didn't hear about him, his fame as an unprecedented boy echoed throughout the kingdom as he leaped to become the face of his generation. Yet, in a twist, contrasting his tumultuous first-half of first semester, his name remains in the memories of people but little so they heard about him for raising another wave in the second half of his first year.
In the meanwhile, his prodigal classmates continue to emerge out as the shining jewel, which consequently diverted the attention from Allen Rovenne to him, perhaps standing to be one of the reasons behind his low presence.
But the greater reason was assumed that it had been his foresightedness all along. More than anyone, he seemed to have read the undercurrent, and in lieu of it, brought the talented persona in one place. He perhaps feared if not now, then there might never be another chance.
It was this otherworldly foresight of him, one that everyone would agree on, that earned Allen Rovenne the alias of <A Boy from the Future>. For everyone---
------He was the seer of the future itself, a domain perceived only by the God.